As public spending cuts continue to bite, more and more people are going on protests for the first time. Very few know their legal rights and even experienced activists can get caught out by the mass of legislation passed by successive governments in recent years. Here are five short pieces of law that every protester should know.

1. There is generally no obligation to give your name and address to the police

Only if the police are using powers under specific legislation is it an offence to refuse to provide this information. The most common is when an officer asks for personal details because they have reason to believe you are, or have been, acting in an "anti-social manner". Police Community Support Officers also have wide powers to ask for details. The person making the request should be able to tell you the power they are acting under. Giving false details or being aggressive whilst refusing information could constitute an offence.

Not divulging your name and address does carry the risk of arousing suspicion and could lead to being searched or make it more likely you could be arrested. It could also cause problems in relation to bail if you are arrested.

2. It is not unlawful to photograph a police officer

Despite rumours to the contrary, the Metropolitan police website makes it clear: "Members of the public and the media do not need a permit to film or photograph in public places and police have no power to stop them filming or photographing incidents or police personnel"

3. Writing slogans in chalk can be a criminal offence

The offence of criminal damage does not need to involve permanent alterations and protesters have been convicted for writing on the pavement with water-soluble paints. The same could apply to using chalk or pencil on walls or pavements.

4. It's not only parliament who makes the law

Local authorities also have the power to make bylaws which can impact on protests, and more and more are doing so. For example, the restrictions on setting up tents and sleeping bags in Parliament Square, London are now fairly well known. What is less well known is that the City of Westminster has deployed an identical regime in other parts of the Borough using local bylaws. Bylaws can prohibit a wide variety of activities in specific areas and, while their validity can sometimes be challenged, they can be a pitfall for the unwary demonstrator.

"Protest is a vital part of freedom of expression, one of the rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights. It can be restricted where, for example, it interferes with the rights of others or on public safety grounds. This does not mean that there is only a right to protest quietly and blandly. The high court has made it clear: "the freedom only to speak inoffensively is not worth having"

Tom Wainwright, Katherine Craig, Anna Morris and Owen Greenhall are the authors of The Protest Handbook